Kurdish Leader Rules Out Kurdish Forces Fighting Alongside Syrian Army Against Hezbollah

Aldar Khalil, a Kurdish leader and member of the joint presidency of the Democratic Union Party, affirmed that Kurdish forces will not engage in any external military conflict between the Syrian army and Lebanon's Hezbollah.

Khalil emphasized that the January 29 agreement limits the duties of these forces strictly to protecting Kurdish areas. His remarks clarify the Kurdish stance amid speculation about the Syrian army—into which the predominantly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces are expected to integrate—potentially entering Lebanon to fight Hezbollah.

U.S. President Trump has mentioned this possibility multiple times, urging Israel to leave the task to Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shar, whom Trump describes as hostile to Hezbollah. Trump criticized the Israeli army's approach to fighting Hezbollah, stating it destroys entire buildings to eliminate a single Hezbollah fighter, while asserting that Al-Shar's approach would differ.

Despite President Ahmad Al-Shar's denial of any intention to enter Lebanon and his assertion that Trump's statements were misunderstood, with the Lebanese government and all political factions welcoming this denial, concerns remain about Syrian involvement in Lebanon. Reports circulate about the Syrian army mobilizing forces at the border or about rogue jihadist factions operating beyond Al-Shar's control—possibly with his tacit approval—as a maneuver to circumvent Trump’s pressure to enter the conflict and establish a fait accompli.

The Syrian government is aware that entering Lebanon, even under international cover, would not be straightforward and could have serious repercussions for the future of the regime in Damascus. This is due to the Israeli army's inability, despite advanced weaponry, to handle the mission, fears of Hezbollah’s retaliatory actions—including possible advances into Homs—and the potential involvement of the Iranian-backed Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces entering Syrian territory to support Hezbollah if attacked by the Syrian army.

Most critically, there is a serious Iranian threat reportedly conveyed by the Turks to Al-Shar, warning that he would be targeted if he yields to pressure from Trump and Tel Aviv and becomes involved in the Lebanese quagmire.